A FORMER Victorian boys’ school and chapel in Warwickshire, designed by a famous architect, could be converted into two homes despite objections from angry residents.

The building, in New Street, Leamington, was once St Peter’s Roman Catholic Boys’ School, designed by Edward Pugin.

Pugin took over the architectural work of his father, Augustus, who had died insane while working on the Palace of Westminster.

He also designed Harrington House in Newbold Place, which was demolished in 1967 to make way for the Royal Spa Centre.

The redundant chapel, which is not a listed building but is within the conservation area, has been dormant for the past five years and until the current owner bought the building, it was marketed unsuccessfully for more than a year.

But despite this, the plans have caused outcry among residents who are worried about the destruction of historical architecture.

One worried resident said: “This building must be con-sidered by its history in this town and deserves better treatment than to be turned into cheap, and in my view inadequate housing, with poor natural light and no garden space.”

Another said: “We believe the proposed plans are not in-keeping with the building’s historic connection to the town.

“Overall we consider the plan very poor in the sense of over development and the lack of the basic amenity of any outside space.

“And how is household rubbish and recycling to be accommodated? Do we in the 21st century have to resort to tenement-style living?

“We think that grave consideration should be given to this proposal and urge that planning permission should not be granted in this instance.”

But the council’s Conservation Area Advisory Forum (CAAF) hopes the restoration will be carried out to a high standard to enable the features of the building – many of which are in a poor condition – to be fully restored and preserved.

A host of other complaints have also been put forward by residents, including concerns over noise nuisance, loss of privacy from overlooking windows, light pollution and increased cars on the street as the building does not have parking space.

The town council has also objected on the grounds that the proposal does not meet the district council’s car parking regulations.

But Warwick District Council says that given the building could be converted into a crèche, health centre, clinic or church – each attracting more cars without the need for planning permission – it cannot refuse the planning application on parking grounds.

The application is recommended for approval and will be discussed at a planning committee meeting on Tuesday May 24.